Belaruski

Not strictly true. The Hammer and plough was the Red Army symbol but hammer and sickles did appear before the 20's. I think I have a 1919 banknote somewhere with one on it. I personally think this is non-Soviet and probably a German comemorative piece. Potentially very rare if 20's / early 30's German. Why German? Well the pin is rarely encountered on Soviet or even Russian badges of the period (even from 1900-today) The oakleaves are Germanic, Soviet insignia prefers wheat and cog wheels, and lastly the 7 in 1917 is crossed, typically German and not seen on Soviet awards or badges of the era. Have a look at the 'Arsenal' badge to see all these features missing! (It's screwback, has cog wheel and wheatsheafs and no 'cross' on the 1917).

He must have had sympathy for Red Army snipers..

All1knew's comment is a little blunt, but he has a point. Very bright paintwork.. That's not to say it's a fake, but I'd like a natural light photo..

Something to look for is terrible even (unnatural) wear to the rest of the helmet, including what is probably 'wet and dry' sanding to the air vents and liner pin studs, but superb percentage twin decals remaining. As someone who used to have a few SS helmets (literally a few.. 2) this looks a little wrong.

Agreed, they are stunning uniforms. Not my thing as a Soviet collector, but I've always liked these tunics. I'll have one in cavalry please!

Nice picture Artan, I have come accoss a picture of him wearing a single Partisan Star Order recently. I wouldn't be surprised if he had loads of awards, and chose not to wear them. Just the odd one depending on the occasion. With the obvious exception above!

Rick makes a very good point about actually handling items rather than judging photos. For example almost every cloth item looks fake if you use flash, or too much light on a white background etc. Nack's blue topped cap being a fine example, ins ome pics I like the colour of the blue wool, and in others I think no... Like Richie said, there are no experts just opinions based on what we can see.

These used to be very cheap and often mis-sold, but now they are possibly the next bif=g price hike in Soviet memeorabilia.

Thanks Marc, I'll have to think of a price now!

the edge..

Hello all, I am selling this Order of Nevsky, and just before I advertise it I thought I'd double check that it is indeed a copy! The quality is very good and it is 3 pieces. but I presume its a nice fake.

Can you buy these honestly, at repro prices, or do they only come out as fakes?

I don't know enough about the modern one, but the Soviet one is good

Ssch36 helmets are faked??? Do you mean the whole thing or just the liners?

And some are of high quality too, here is a KGB school badge, in three pieces. ok I'll stop it now..

Just to go a little further off topic, Belarusian graduate badges are VERY similar to Soviet ones. And to illustrate the point:

GENUINELY dated wartime helmets are exceptionally scarce. i think the rule with these is to think 'how much would I pay for one that may be war time?' If in doubt buy a Ssch 36, a beautiful helmet and guaranteed wartime regardless of ink stamps!

Very nice! The enamel damage gives it character!

I pity the fool who wears someone elses medals but....

I think its current Ukrainian but I can't find a reference yet.

The top one is for the 3rd Guards Tank Army. Around the dge is a list of battle honours: Kiev, Kharkov, Orel, Tula, Lvov, Sandomir, Katowice, Prague, and Berlin.

Excellence in medical service. Te hammer and sickle is rather odd though!

It's certainly a US beard.

Not quite on the suspension, but almost! I am currently selling this Polar Region defence medal, and spotted a previously unseen maker mark, (LMD presumably = Leningrad Monetnii Dvor).

Me too! (particularly the DPRK one)